The STRIDE Program: Getting Hospitalized Veterans Back on Their Feet

STRIDE (AssiSTed EaRly MobIlity for HospitalizeD VEterans) is a supervised walking program designed to address the negative consequences of immobility during hospitalization for older adults. STRIDE is meant to be proactive, emphasizing enrollment within 24 h of admission when possible. The key STRIDE activity is walking with a mobility assistant for up to two sessions or 20 min daily as tolerated for the duration of the hospital stay. STRIDE was modeled after research-tested interventions and has been shown to reduce the need for postacute facility-based care in pragmatic, real-world evaluations. Health systems should consider STRIDE as a reasonable means to enhance mobility and age-friendly care of hospitalized older adults.